Thursday, 23 January 2014

Mukteswar Dance Festival (January 14 - 16, 2014) - Dr. Sunil Kothari

Hot on the heels of ‘The Hindu Lit for Life’ festival on literature in
Chennai (11 to 13th January) commenced the Mukteswar Dance Festival in
Bhubaneswar in a specially constructed open air auditorium with the
backdrop of the 10th century Odishan architectural marvel of Mukteswar
Temple. With the winter chill, the mystic ambience and surrounding small
temples created a visual treat. There is something magical about this
temple complex. It was Sankaranti and a rare combination of full moon
night, Purnima. The moon shining in the sky atop the tall shikhara of
the adjoining shrine, the stars shooting in all directions and the
gentle breeze carrying the slightly audible notes of music prior to the
performance transported the large gathering into a mood for receiving
the unfolding of the dance performances.
Since the presiding deity at Mukteswara is Lord Shiva, the artists
invariably commence by paying homage to Lord Nataraja. Organized by
Odisha Tourism in association with Odisha Tourism Development
Corporation Ltd and Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi, the format for the
past few years has been kept the same. It must be mentioned that
the festival which under the personal supervision and guidance of the
dynamic former Director of Tourism Mr. Ashok Tripathy took shape and
placed with several other dance and music festivals including the Konark
Festival, has maintained the ambience and clockwork regularity,
starting sharp on the dot at 6pm and the time limit offered to dancers
was strictly observed. About half a kilometre of the approach road
leading to the venue was lit up with colourful little lights creating a
festive mood. The entrance, the display boards, the arrangements for
photographers, the high pedestal on the right of the stage for
simultaneous direct telecast by DD, were well organized. It seems the
successors to Tripathy have decided to continue the tradition so well
established.